Putin Invites Japanese Judo Team to Train in Russia

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes part in a judo training session in St. Petersburg in December.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, a renowned judoka [or judo enthusiast], on Tuesday invited the Japanese national judo team, together with the athletes’ families, to train in Russia amid concerns about radiation leaks from nuclear power plants in Japan.

Speaking to Russian news services at his estate outside Moscow, Mr. Putin said he has informed government officials involved in the Japanese martial art about the offer, adding that that everything possible must be done to help Japan.

Mr. Putin’s titular boss, President Dmitry Medvedev, only recently clashed with Japan’s prime minister over the disputed islands north of Japan known in Russia as the Kurils.

Mr. Putin often captures media attention with showy stunts seen as boosting his popularity, or for lashing out as his perceived enemies. But he also has the habit of making lavish offers to those he perceives as in need of help, especially if they came to harm outside of Russia.

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